Gallery & Show Review: Matt Jaffe at Irving Plaza, NYC 09.09.15

San Francisco newcomers, Matt Jaffe and the Distractions, may not yet be a household name but they’re gaining traction, and with good reason. Having recently launched their debut EP, Blast Off, the band is currently on tour in direct support of Blues Traveler (dates below). With a sound heavily inspired by 70’s punk and power pop, the young act is comprised of founder and vocalist Matt Jaffe, and band members Alex Newel on guitar, bassist Paul Paldino and drummer Alex Coltharp. Together they more than held their own in front of a hungry crowd at NYC’s Irving Plaza.

Jaffe’s sound is certainly eclectic, completely unexpected, and undeniably catchy–an effervescent marriage of punk-rock hooks and funky, rockabilly melodies. You’ll find nothing else like it in mainstream today, but it’s not an accident. The twenty-year-old frontman wears his influences on his sleeve, summoning cues from The Clash, Bob Dylan and Talking Heads, to whom he pays homage in the music video “New Continent.” Jaffe exudes an effortless James Dean vibe with a stage presence reminiscent of Young Americans-era David Bowie. The latter in particular during a vibrant performance of the tongue-in-cheek “Stoned On Easter.”

Jaffe was only 14 when he collided paths with ex-Talking Heads keyboardist Jerry Harrison at an open-mic night in San Francisco. He spent the next six years fine-tuning what would eventually launch a promising young career. Boasting an impressive online following thanks to relentless local touring throughout California, this opening slot on Blues Traveler’s bill is only the beginning. Matt Jaffe and The Distractions are currently working on a debut full-length album. You can listen to “Holding On” off the upcoming album below:

Check out some of our shots from Matt Jaffe’s performance at Irving Plaza and be sure to catch them on tour with Blues Traveler this fall!